My name is Dennis Marler and I am a Senior here at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. I am the Social Media and Marketing Coordinator for UC Live, a Communications major with an emphasis in Public Relations and obtaining a minor in Political Science. I love to read and write, listen to/play music, watch movies, and consider myself a foodie.

Tell us a little bit about your department 

I work in Student Activities and Involvement in the University Center. With the UC being the heart of campus, our department ensures that all students are included and involved in activities such as our UC Live events, Homecoming, Greek Life, Student Organizations, the Warhawk Connection Center, and so many more areas for involvement. In UC Live specifically we offer free events to all students held here at the UC. We make a fun and inclusive space where everyone is welcome and encouraged to have a great time.

What does an average day look like working for the UC? What does your position entail? 

My average day involves mocking up and acting on our schedule for our marketing efforts for the month. Once I understand what has to be done for the week and upcoming week I usually shoot content for our TikTok and Instagram @ucliveuww (shameless plug ha-ha). I will also coordinate fellow UC Live employees by giving them goals and checklists that need to be completed for their upcoming events. I will check our direct messages and mentions to make sure that we are engaged with our Warhawks and hitting the demographics we need to be hitting. I’ll end the day with a goodbye to my coworkers.

Why should students visit the UC?

Students should visit the UC because the pro staff and the student employees actually care about you. I have never seen a group of people more committed to providing a home to so many people and the ability to make that place a home for such a diverse group of people. It makes me happy knowing that a place like that exists.

How will your position at the UC help you in your future career? 

This position is exactly the kind of work I would be doing in my future career. Public outreach and communication is exactly the kind of field I want to go into and this position allows me to work directly in that by officiating a relationship with Warhawks and the UC Live program.

Explain a little about the connections you have made working in the UC

As a transfer student who is outside of the typical college age range, I was concerned that I wouldn’t meet anyone that could be friends with someone like me. That changed when I started working at the UC. They accepted me despite my fears and I have made some of my closest friends while working here who I appreciate every day.

How do you balance school, work, extracurricular activities, and a social life

I can’t lie, it’s a struggle, but I am very proud of the system that I have in place to make it happen. I make sure to uphold a very strong schedule and when I am at work I focus on work things. I plan and be proactive to know what might come up and schedule posts for when I am not in office. I communicate clearly with my coworkers and supervisors, so they are kept in the loop. I make sacrifices where sacrifices must be made but uphold my priorities. I also have great faculty in the Arts and Communication department that I communicate with, and they are very understanding.